Dan Thurmon
Dan Thurmon delivers experiences that go beyond motivation, teaching concepts and skills re change, innovation and peak performance. TED talker, author, entrepreneur, Hall of Fame inductee, (fitness advocate, acrobat, unicyclist even on mountains – yes, really, drummer, and flying trapeze artist in the making) Dan’s visual and interactive keynote presentation – Off Balance On Purpose – gives businesses and organizations the energy to embrace change and uncertainty – to innovate and perform at their best, “When it matters the most.” Dan Thurmon is the author of two books, a renowned speaker, and a recognized expert in delivering peak performances – on stage and in the workplace. As president of Motivation Works, Inc., he has worked with hundreds of clients and delivered thousands of presentations worldwide. Dan helps organizations and individuals implement actions plans and move confidently through transitions.
Biography
Dan Thurmon is the author of two books, a renowned speaker, and a recognized expert in delivering peak performances – on stage and in the workplace. As president of Motivation Works, Inc., he has worked with hundreds of clients and delivered thousands of presentations worldwide. Dan helps organizations and individuals implement actions plans and move confidently through transitions.
He began his performance career at eleven years old, crafting a one-man-show incorporating comedy, juggling and acrobatics. This enabled him to, at a very early age, develop a strong work ethic and learn fundamental lessons about performance excellence. Dan graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Marketing and Management. He has also extensively studied Personal Development and developed a unique methodology he teaches to audiences and clients.
A recent inductee to the prestigious “Speakers Hall of Fame,” Dan Thurmon delivers experiences that go beyond motivation, teaching concepts and skills in a highly engaging and entertaining manner. He incorporates his lifelong performance skills to create high impact events. His programs have educated and uplifted Fortune 500 companies, young audiences, and even the troops on the front lines of Afghanistan and Iraq.
Dan’s philosophy can be summarized by the title of his book, Off Balance On Purpose. He believes that we will never achieve “perfect balance” and should, instead, learn to embrace uncertainty and initiate positive changes that lead to growth. Also, we should go beyond the pursuit of “success” and enhance our life experiences and professional endeavours with purposeful, positive contributions.
Speech Topics
Keynote: Off Balance On Purpose
WORKSHOP: Off Balance on Purpose in Practice
Perform – Ability
It isn’t really possible to “always be at your best because every moment counts” – some moments count much more than others. That’s why it’s more important to be your best When It Matters The Most.
In this keynote, peak performance speaker Dan Thurmon explores the reasons why some individuals fail under pressure, and why others seem to naturally rise to handle critical moments with ease and excellence. This isn’t an innate talent – it’s an ability that can be learned and mastered. Dan calls it “Perform-Ability.”
The key to being able to “perform,” or deliver excellence when it matters the most, is to prepare properly and understand the mindset and methods of top performers. Dan demonstrates these concepts in his signature high-impact style that includes juggling, acrobatics, and even a unicycle. Audiences leave this unforgettable session armed with new tools and the enthusiasm to tackle their biggest challenges.
Safe Danger
Dan Uses Exciting, Yet Dangerous Elements to Illustrate Safety Principles Your Employees Will Not Only Remember… But Apply
Drawing on his background as a professional performer, acrobat and juggler of dangerous implements, Dan Thurmon knows firsthand the importance of Safe Danger. While other safety presentations rely on the perspective of an academic, trainer or accident victim, Dan speaks to your employees from the perspective of a high performer with certain, very real risks.
What this means for your organization is highly entertaining, yet effective safety presentations that deliver hard value. Dan has helped numerous companies lower the incidence of accidents, create more focused employees and create a Safe Danger mindset.
Dan’s Most Popular Safety Presentations:
SAFE Danger: Effectively Managing Uncertainty
and Risk
It may seem counter-intuitive to learn about safety from someone who performs back flips from chairs, balances on moving objects, and juggles axes. But, upon closer examination, it makes absolute sense. All jobs and endeavors contain elements of risk. Certain responsibilities and workplace environments require heightened attention to elements of danger. Dan will demonstrate how, by adopting the right approach, you can effectively eliminate the worst-case scenarios and ensure a long and healthy career. This safety presentation is both informative and exciting, as Dan incorporates examples and illustrations from his lifelong, successful performance career.
Avoiding the DROPS: Preventing Accidents Before They Happen
Adopting a SAFE Danger mindset is not a one-time event. It is a daily discipline and ongoing challenge to stay ahead of risks and mindful of the ever-present elements that can cause harm to you and your teammates. In this presentation, Dan goes deeper into the most common precursors to accidents: the DROPS. This acronym stands for Distractions, Rushing, Overload, Panic, and Stress. You will learn valuable techniques to keep your cool, manage your pace, and stay focused on what matters most: your SAFETY.
Leading to SAFETY: Leadership Principles to Create a SAFE Danger Workplace
Safety is everyone’s responsibility, but leaders in high-risk environments have the daily challenge and requirement to communicate, monitor, and reinforce safety principles in real time. It is a dual role of encourager and enforcer. How do you make sure that the message doesn’t get “tuned out” and disregarded? Dan teaches how to stay tuned in to your employees and find creative ways to communicate safety principles, reinforce rules and protocols, and reward safety excellence where you see it.
Testimonials
“The feedback about your presentation has been absolutely outstanding. You were the perfect combination of entertainment, personality with a strong and very relevant message.”
Sue Wolk, Nat’l Court Reporters Association
“After hiring you three times, I manage to still find tremendous nuggets of wisdom to take away from your exhilarating presentations.”
Reed A. Lynn, WILD Flavors, Inc.
“If you want to motivate, inform, educate, entertain and deliver a presentation that your team will not forget… by all means pick Dan Thurmon to ‘deliver the difference’ for you.”
Ken Myers, President, Romacorp, Inc.
“Your ability to weave what you learned during our meetings and your trip with one of our consultants in the field really helped build up your credibility with our field staff.”
Mark G. Moraitakas, Chick-fil-A
Dan was incredible! The managers, staff and owner operators couldn’t stop talking about the session. The juggling, unicycle, acrobatics and the handstand on the podium were all tied to the learning. It was a home run!
Jim Mulcahy, Traning Director, McDonald’s
Wow! People still stop me in the hall to tell me what a wonderful job you did. Far and away, your presentation received the highest ratings ever!
Bryan Kindred, CEO, DCH Health System
Your ability to put such a positive spin on something like multitasking – which many people dread – is a testament to your skill and ability.
Miki Wilson, Regional VP, AIMCO
Your presentations at our eleven ‘In Focus Events’ delivered an important and inspiring message, unlike anything our dealers have ever experienced.
Blane Haywood, Shaw Flooring Alliance
I have heard numerous attendees say that you are the BEST presenter they have ever seen, and I would have to agree! Your energy and enthusiasm are evident from the moment you take the stage, and it’s infectious.
Ellen H. Wentz, Deloitte
Your presentation was OUTSTANDING and it really helped us start our week on a positive note. All of our attendees have said how much they enjoyed your session – it was informational, motivational, and FUN!
Sarah Wegner, Director of HR, Drury Hotels
Dan Thurmon was, by far, the highest rated aspect of our conference, based on attendee survey results. His presentation was inspirational, energetic, and captivating.
Scott Frymire, Activant Solutions